IGNITION LOCK MECHANISM

• US 20160039388A1
• Filed: 03/22/2013
• Published: 02/11/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co. LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Co. LLC (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Lill, Mark Paul
• Granted Patent: US 9,604,596 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/04 operating on the propulsion system, e.g. engine or drive motor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/34 of conditions of vehicle components, e.g. of windows, door locks or gear selectors
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 17/0062 with destructive disengagement
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0048 Circuits, feeding, monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0072 Operation
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0093 including means for preventing manipulation by external shocks, blows or the like
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 85/00 Details of vehicle locks not provided for in groups E05B77/00 - E05B83/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 9/04 Casings of cylinder locks details specific for pin or ball tumbler cylinder locks E05B27/0014; details specific for plate tumbler cylinder locks E05B29/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2027/066 having anti-tamper provisions, e.g. avoiding the removal of the lock cylinder
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 27/06 Key inserted and then turned to effect operation of the switch

Abstract

A lock mechanism for a motor vehicle ignition switch comprises a housing defining a barrel and a locking cylinder fitted for rotation in the barrel. A cap is fitted over one end of the housing capturing a frangible lock insert between the housing and cap. The frangible lock insert includes an electrically conductive pathway between radially displaced connection points on the rim of the insert. A circuit includes the electrically conductive pathway which is interrupted by disintegration of the frangible lock insert. Such disintegration occurs upon efforts to tamper with the lock mechanism or application of brute force to the sensor.

Claims

1. A lock mechanism for a motor vehicle ignition switch, comprising:

a housing defining a barrel;

a rim to the housing defining a cylindrical opening to the barrel;

a locking cylinder fitted for rotation in the barrel;

a frangible lock insert having a non-conductive body, an outer edge around the body and a central aperture through the non-conductive body;

an electrically conductive pathway disposed on the non-conductive body;

a cap matingly engaging the housing and capturing the frangible lock insert between the housing and the cap; and

a circuit including the electrically conductive pathway which is interrupted by disintegration of the frangible lock insert upon application of extractive force urging the frangible lock insert against the cap;

the non-conductive body being under residual stress to promote shattering upon application of an outside shock.

2. The lock mechanism of claim 2, further comprising:

at least a first tab extending outwardly from the outer edge; and

the rim having at least one stop located on the rim;

the frangible lock insert being rotatable to bring the at least first tab into contact with the stop against which it breaks upon application of sufficient rotative force.

3. The lock mechanism of claim 2, further comprising:

a second tab extending outwardly from the outer edge; and

the electrically conductive pathway being disposed between the first tab and the second tab.

4. The lock mechanism of claim 3, further comprising:

the cap retaining the frangible lock insert loosely against the rim of the housing.

5. The lock mechanism of claim 3, further comprising:

means for detecting interruption of the circuit.

6. A lock mechanism for a motor vehicle ignition switch, the lock mechanism comprising:

a housing defining a barrel;

a locking cylinder fitted for rotation in the barrel leaving an exposed end of the locking cylinder;

a frangible, non-conductive body located adjacent the housing and proximate to the exposed end of the locking cylinder;

a cap fitted over an end of the housing corresponding the exposed end of the locking cylinder for capturing the frangible lock insert between the housing and cap;

an electrically conductive pathway disposed on the frangible, non-conductive body, the electrically conductive path being continuous between radially displaced connection points on a rim of the frangible lock insert;

a circuit including the electrically conductive pathway; and

means for detecting interruption of the circuit resulting from disintegration of the non-conductive body.

7. The lock mechanism of claim 6, further comprising:

a rim to the housing defining an opening to the barrel;

at least a first stop extending from the rim in the direction of the cap;

the non-conductive body having an outer edge; and

at least a first tab extending outwardly from the impinging against the at least first stop upon rotation of the non-conductive body in relation to the housing.

8. The lock mechanism of claim 7, further comprising:

the electrically conductive pathway including a contact in the at least first tab allowing the electrically conductive pathway to be interrupted by disintegration of the non-conductive body by loss of the at least first tab.

9. The lock mechanism of claim 9, further comprising:

means for detecting interruption of the circuit.